The IT Naturally Podcast

Why Hospitality Still Needs People in an AI World

What happens when hospitality gets technology right?  In this episode of the IT Naturally Podcast, Julie Bishop is joined by Jane Pendlebury, CEO of HOSPA, to explore how hotels and hospitality businesses are balancing technology, people and guest experience in 2026.  From AI and automation to sustainability, cyber security and changing guest expectations, Jane shares what hospitality leaders are really talking about right now and why the best technology should free employees to focus on people, not replace them.  The conversation covers:  * Why hospitality is under huge cost pressure in 2026  * How AI and automation are changing hotel operations  * Why guest choice matters more than ever  * The role of culture in delivering exceptional hospitality  * Sustainability challenges for hotels and hospitality businesses  * What hospitality still gets wrong about technology  * Why cyber security and guest trust are critical  * The rise of experiential hospitality and local community connections  Plus, Jane shares brilliant real-world examples from across the hospitality sector, including how some hotels are creating happier teams, better guest experiences and more sustainable operations.  Find out more about HOSPA and connect with Jane via the links below.  Connect with Jane on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/janependlebury/] Follow HOSPA on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/school/hospa/] HOSPA website [https://www.hospa.org/] Visit the IT Naturally website [https://www.itnaturally.com/] Follow IT Naturally on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/itnaturally/] Connect with Julie on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliepbishop/]

AI, Authenticity & B Corp: Why Being Human Still Wins in Marketing

AI is everywhere, but it hasn’t replaced what really makes businesses stand out.  In this B Corp month episode, Julie Bishop is joined by fellow B Corp Leader Dave Hoch, CEO of Colibrily Crew, to explore why authenticity, transparency, and human connection are more important than ever in marketing.  From building a B Corp to navigating the rise of AI, Dave shares how purpose-driven businesses can grow without losing what makes them different.  They discuss:  * Why AI should be a tool, not a substitute for your voice  * How B Corp thinking shapes better businesses (not just better marketing)  * Why authenticity is becoming a competitive advantage  * The role of transparency in building trust  * How to tell stories that connect with people  If you’re trying to grow your business without sounding like everyone else, this episode is for you.  Connect with Dave Hoch on LinkedIn. [https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-hoch/] Connect with Julie on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliepbishop]   Follow The Colibrily Crew on LinkedIn  [https://www.linkedin.com/company/colibirly-llc/] The Colibrily Crew website [https://colibrily.com/] Visit the IT Naturally website [https://www.itnaturally.com/] Follow IT Naturally on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/itnaturally/] Connect with Julie on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliepbishop/]

Using Technology to Prevent Crisis, Not Just Respond to It

In this International Women’s Day special, Julie Bishop speaks with Sarah Flambard, founder of the charity We Are Here, about how technology can help people find support before they reach crisis.  Sarah and her volunteer team are developing a simple but powerful digital tool - an offline-accessible map designed to help people who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness, quickly locate nearby support services without needing mobile data, an account, or personal information.  Their mission is simple but transformative: turn visibility into prevention because in many cases, support already exists but people just can’t find it early enough.  This conversation also reflects this year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Give to Gain.” Sarah and the entire We Are Here team are volunteers, bringing together expertise from law, data, technology and marketing to create something that can genuinely change outcomes for people facing homelessness.  Julie and Sarah discuss:  * Why homelessness is often invisible until it becomes a crisis  * How simple, accessible technology can help people find support sooner  * Designing digital tools that work in stressful, low-connectivity situations  * How volunteer-powered innovation can create real social impact  * Why prevention is often more powerful than building new services  A powerful conversation about technology, compassion and the impact of people coming together to create change.  If you’d like to support the work of We Are Here, you can contact Sarah on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-flambard-a22255112] or by email sarah.flambard@weareheremap.com [sarah.flambard@weareheremap.com]  You can also connect with Julie, Host & CEO IT Naturally on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliepbishop/].  Visit the IT Naturally website [https://www.itnaturally.com/] Follow IT Naturally on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/itnaturally/] Connect with Julie on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliepbishop/]

The E-Waste Crisis: Why Reuse Is the Most Powerful IT Decision You Can Make

E-waste is now the fastest-growing waste stream in the world, and most organisations don’t realise the role their IT decisions play in driving it.  In Episode 10 of the IT Naturally Podcast, Julie is joined by Mark Russell from ICEX Group to explore why reuse, not recycling, is the most powerful decision organisations can make when it comes to end-of-life IT.  They discuss:  * Why manufacturing creates the biggest carbon footprint in IT  * The real difference between reuse and recycling  * Common data security fears and how to handle them properly  * Why “computer graveyards” create unnecessary risk  * How responsible IT disposal supports the circular economy and affordable technology  * What CEOs, CFOs and IT leaders should be planning for now  A practical, insight-led conversation for organisations that want IT to be secure, sustainable, and genuinely used for good.  Connect with Mark on LInkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-russell-mba-ba-hons-39019169/] Connect with Julie on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliepbishop/] Check out the ICEX website [https://www.icex.co.uk/] Visit the IT Naturally website [https://www.itnaturally.com/] Follow IT Naturally on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/itnaturally/] Connect with Julie on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliepbishop/]

The Shifting IT Channel: MSPs, Cyber Reality & Why Values Matter More Than Ever

How the MSP landscape is shifting and why not every provider will survive the changes ahead that’s the conversation in this episode of the IT Naturally Podcast.  Host Julie Bishop is joined by Will Garside, Editorial Director at IT Europa, seasoned technology journalist, broadcaster and author, with over 30 years covering the IT channel. Drawing on decades of industry insight, Will shares a candid view of:  How the MSP model has evolved from project-based IT to true managed services * Why many “MSPs” are still VARs in disguise and why that matters * The growing reality of cybercrime as an industrialised, state-level threat * Why minimum security standards are no longer optional for customers or providers * How technology has quietly transformed family life, work, and gender roles * The uncomfortable truth about sustainable IT and why it does cost money * Why younger generations expect purpose, not just profit, from tech businesses * How values-led organisations see stronger loyalty, retention and long-term success Will also reflects on some of the most memorable moments of his career, from surreal dot-com era press trips to meaningful conversations with industry leaders and shares his one-word verdict on the IT channel today. If you’re an MSP, IT leader, or purpose-led business thinking about security, sustainability and the future of managed services, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. 👉 Follow IT Europa on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/it-europa] to keep up with Will’s reporting and insights Visit the IT Naturally website [https://www.itnaturally.com/] Follow IT Naturally on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/itnaturally/] Connect with Julie on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliepbishop/]